Servus Christi raises some thought-provoking points regarding the terminology used by pre-tribulation rapture advocates. While his concerns about consistency are understandable, a closer examination of the biblical texts and scholarly perspectives reveals that the pre-tribulation view can be articulated with coherence and biblical fidelity. Let’s explore this issue further.
The Challenge of Describing Complex Eschatological Events
It’s important to acknowledge that eschatology involves complex, future events that are not always easy to describe with precision. The Bible itself uses varied language to depict Christ’s return and related end-times occurrences. This diversity of biblical terminology naturally leads to some variation in how theologians and teachers articulate these concepts.
Dr. John F. Hart, Professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute, notes:
“If pretribulationists agree that 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (and 10) use γρηγορέω to instruct believers of the NT church to ‘stay alert’ for the coming pretribulational rapture, then isn’t it logical that Jesus could have utilized the same word in the same way in the OD [Olivet Discourse]?”
This illustrates how similar terminology can be applied to different aspects of Christ’s return without being inconsistent.
Distinguishing Between the Rapture and Second Coming
Pre-tribulation advocates do make a distinction between the rapture and the visible second coming of Christ, but this is based on careful exegesis of Scripture rather than arbitrary redefinition. Dr. Thomas Ice explains:
“If the pretribulational view of imminence is not accepted, then it would make sense to look for signs related to events of the tribulation (i.e., the anti-Christ, the two witnesses, etc.) and not for Christ Himself. But the New Testament, as demonstrated above, uniformly instructs the church to look for the coming of Christ, while tribulation saints are told to look for signs.”
This distinction helps explain why pre-tribulationists may use similar terms (like “coming” or “appearing”) in different contexts, as they are referring to separate events with distinct characteristics.
The Biblical Basis for Multiple “Comings”
Servus Christi questions whether it’s valid to speak of multiple “comings” of Christ. However, historical evidence suggests this concept is not new or unique to pre-tribulationalism. Dr. William Watson, Professor of History at Colorado Christian University, notes:
“Anti-dispensationalists ask how Christ could come multiple times before and after the Tribulation, but Sherwin had no trouble with: Several sences of Christs coming …whether it be understood mystically or personally …the coming of Christ is taken in several places, since his Ascention into Heaven.”
This historical perspective demonstrates that the idea of Christ’s coming having multiple aspects or phases has precedent in Christian thought.
The Use of Definite Articles
Regarding Servus Christi’s point about definite articles, it’s crucial to note that the presence or absence of “the” in English translations doesn’t always reflect the Greek text’s nuances. Greek grammar allows for more flexibility in article usage than English does. Therefore, arguing solely based on English definite articles can be misleading.
Consistency in Pre-Tribulation Teaching
While Servus Christi alleges inconsistency in pre-tribulation terminology, many scholars have worked diligently to present a coherent framework. Dr. Mark Hitchcock provides a clear overview:
“The timing of the rapture is one of the most controversial and often debated issues in eschatology. The Bible teaches that at some point in the future Jesus will come, and the bodies of all deceased church age believers will be resurrected and all living believers will be raptured to meet the Lord in the air.”
Hitchcock goes on to distinguish this event from the visible second coming, demonstrating that pre-tribulation scholars do strive for consistency in their explanations.
The Importance of Context
It’s crucial to consider the context when evaluating pre-tribulation teachings on Christ’s return. Different passages may emphasize various aspects of eschatological events. Dr. Robert Dean Jr. explains:
“Consistent pretribulationism understands ‘one taken, one left’ and ‘the fig tree’ to refer to events pertaining to the second coming, not the Rapture of the Church.”
This shows that pre-tribulationists do make distinctions based on contextual analysis, rather than arbitrarily redefining terms.
The Challenge of Imminency
One reason pre-tribulationists may use similar language for different events is the doctrine of imminency. Dr. Wayne Brindle explains:
“The doctrine of imminence as held by most pretribs is that Christ may at any moment return to rapture the church; that no predicted event must precede the rapture of the church.”
This belief in Christ’s imminent return for the church naturally leads to language emphasizing readiness and expectation, which may sound similar to descriptions of the second coming.
Conclusion
While Servus Christi raises valid concerns about terminology consistency, a closer examination reveals that pre-tribulation advocates generally strive for coherence in their interpretations. The complexity of eschatological events and the varied language used in Scripture itself contribute to some diversity in expression. However, this doesn’t necessarily indicate inconsistency or deception.
Pre-tribulation scholars have developed detailed frameworks to explain their views, grounded in careful exegesis and historical understanding. While there may be areas where greater precision in language could be beneficial, it’s important to engage with the strongest arguments and most careful articulations of the pre-tribulation position rather than focusing solely on perceived terminological inconsistencies.
Ultimately, all believers should approach eschatological discussions with humility, recognizing the challenges of interpreting prophetic literature. As we study these important topics, may we do so with charity towards those with differing views, always seeking to understand Scripture more fully and to live in light of Christ’s promised return.
